If there is one dental problem that is one of the most well known and most treated at dental practices across the country, it is tooth decay. Tooth decay can come in many different degrees. Ideally, a cosmetic dentist in Houston wants to catch the problem as soon as possible and treat it as soon as possible. Doing so means preventing major dental problems in the future for the patient and avoiding more invasive dental treatments as well. Good dentistry tends to be as conservative as possible, altering very few existing structures in the mouth, whether the teeth or the gums.
Yet, do you know what cavities are? Many people are actually unsure as to their causes and what they are exactly. If this describes your situation, you are not alone. Let’s look at this matter right now so you can understand why a cosmetic and restorative dentist in Houston will take the issue seriously.
The Basic Causes of Cavities
Cavities are the result of the bacteria that is naturally within the mouth. The bacteria will feed on the sugars or food particles on your teeth. Not only is this one of the leading causes of bad breath (halitosis), it results in an acidic substance known as plaque. This plaque eats away at the structure of the tooth, which compromises the strength of the tooth itself. Minor tooth decay is a cavity, but cavities can grow in size, eventually weakening an entire tooth.
Tooth Decay and Tooth Erosion – Different Issues Both Equally Important
Another dental problem that weakens teeth is known as tooth erosion. This is a separate issue from tooth decay and is actually caused by an acidic pH in the mouth. This can lead to teeth being gradually weakened and eaten away.
Whether you are dealing with tooth decay or tooth erosion, restorative dentistry in Houston is often the best answer.
Treatment of Cavities
There are a few cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry treatments for cavities, but the most common one is the use of dental fillings. Dental fillings are essentially placed in order to restore the overall strength and appearance of a tooth. They replace tooth structure and improve dental health.
Treatment of More Advanced Tooth Decay
We mentioned that cavities can become more serious if not treated, which means that more serious tooth decay will need more serious treatment. For severe tooth decay, inlays, onlays, and dental crowns are available. We can discuss these with you in more detail during your visit.
The Best Treatment is Prevention and Good Habits
Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day (after every meal if you can), floss every night (after every meal if you can), and visit your dentist twice a year for a regular checkup. This can all go a long way to preventing cavities and maintaining a healthy smile.
Schedule a Consultation for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry
To learn more about cavities, cavity prevention, and other topics related to dental hygiene and dental health, be sure to contact our Houston dental care practice today. The entire team here is eager to meet you in person and looks forward to helping you achieve the smile that you have always wanted.
